Director, Capital Budget

Wildlife Conservation Society; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Wildlife Conservation Society in New York invites applications for Director, Capital Budgets. The role leads capital planning, forecasting, and financial analysis for NY Zoos and Aquarium.

Based at the Bronx Zoo with hybrid work, you will partner with leadership, manage a three‑person team, and oversee government funding applications and reporting. The position requires 8–10 years of capital budgeting experience, strong Excel/SAP skills, and the ability to coordinate across functions and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration or related field required.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 8–10 years of capital budgeting experience.
• Strong finance and accounting acumen.
• Experience with government-funded capital projects preferred.
• Excel and SAP/ERP proficiency.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work across functions with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual capital planning and quarterly reforecasting processes, ensuring oversight of investments, expenditures, commitments, and funding.
• Analyze capital budgets and project spending to identify risks, opportunities, trends, and funding needs.
• Partner with senior leadership and stakeholders on long-range capital planning and priorities.
• Monitor financial performance of capital projects from funding through closeout.
• Collaborate with design, construction teams, architects, PMs to manage budgets and funding.
• Oversee financial components of government funding applications, budgets, narratives and documentation.
• Serve as WCS’s financial liaison with government agencies and funders throughout project lifecycles.
• Oversee reimbursements, financial reporting, and compliance with funding requirements.
• Partner with General Counsel on contractual, financial, and compliance matters.
• Identify and implement opportunities to strengthen capital planning, forecasting, reporting, and processes.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Interpersonal skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting/Business Admin

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

SAP

Job description

Job Description

Position: Director, Capital Budget

Department: Budget and Financial Planning

Reports to: Vice President, Budget & Financial Planning

Location: Bronx Zoo / Hybrid

Category Type: Full Time, Exempt

Schedule & Hours: Monday to Friday

Scope: NY Zoos and Aquarium

Travel: Occasional Travel to other NYC locations

Pay Range: $155,000-$185,000

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

Position Summary

The Director, Capital Budgets provides financial leadership for and oversight of WCS’s capital plan, ensuring resources are effectively managed to support the organization’s facilities, infrastructure, and long-term priorities. The Director leads capital budget development, quarterly forecasting, financial analysis, and monitoring of capital projects from initial funding through completion. The role serves as a key financial partner to project teams and leadership, providing insight into capital spending, funding needs, risks, and opportunities. They serve as a key liaison with government agencies and funding partners. The Director oversees a team of three staff, including one direct report. They will play a crucial role in defining the requirements for future development of and enhancements to capital planning systems.

Principle Responsibilities

• Lead the annual capital planning and quarterly reforecasting processes, ensuring accurate oversight of capital investments, expenditures, commitments, and available funding.
• Analyze capital budgets and project spending, identifying financial risks, opportunities, trends, and funding needs to support informed decision‑making.
• Partner with senior leadership and key stakeholders on long‑range capital planning and investment priorities.
• Monitor the financial performance of capital projects from initial funding through completion and closeout.
• Collaborate with the in‑house and external design and construction teams, architects, construction managers, and project managers to manage project budgets, spending, and available funding.
• Oversee the financial components of government funding applications, including budgets, narratives, and required supporting documentation.
• Serve as WCS’s financial liaison with government agencies and other funders throughout the lifecycle of funded capital projects.
• Oversee reimbursement requests, financial reporting, and supporting documentation to ensure timely payment and compliance with funding requirements.
• Partner with the Office of General Counsel on contractual, financial, and compliance matters related to capital projects.
• Identify and implement opportunities to strengthen capital planning, forecasting, reporting, and financial processes.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field required; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in capital budgeting
• Strong finance and accounting acumen with demonstrated experience managing complex capital budgets and forecasts.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a strategic financial partner to business leaders and project teams.
• Experience with government‑funded capital projects, grants, or reimbursement processes preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively across functions and with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with SAP or comparable ERP/EPM systems.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

This position is primarily sedentary and performed in an indoor office environment. The role requires constant sitting, with the ability to stand as needed, and frequent use of a computer keyboard, mouse or other input device, telephone, and other standard office equipment. Frequent finger manipulation and neck movement are also required. The position occasionally requires walking, climbing stairs, and wrist movement associated with routine activities such as opening doors. Occasional travel to other WCS facilities may be required, generally up to 10% of the time.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

Salary Range

$155,000-$185,000